NEW ZEALAND STATE NURSING EXAM 400+
QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST
2026/2027
What does Ambulatory mean? - ANSWER-Day surgery (max stay 23 hours)
What does inpatient surgical care mean? - ANSWER-Admitted to hospital (min 24
hours)
Surgery classifications? - ANSWER-Elective
Diagnostic
Acute
List 3 patient orientated goals post surgery? - ANSWER-Return to normal physical
function
Remain free from post op complications
Achieve emotional and physical comfort
What is included in a pre-op assessment? (5) - ANSWER-Obtain history
Physical assessment
Determine patient understanding
Identify emotional state and coping skills
Check consent, pre anaesthetic form complete, other pre anaesthetic orders
,What does atelectasis mean? - ANSWER-Collapse or closure of lung resulting in
reduced or absent gas exchange
List 5 ways to safely care for post op patients? - ANSWER-Fluid balance input and
output
Pain management
Assessing wound
Vital signs every five minutes
Checking IV site
What is meningitis? - ANSWER-A serious disease in which there is inflammation
of the meninges
Signs and symptoms of meningitis? - ANSWER-Intense headache
Fever
Light sensitivity
Muscular rigidity
Main cause of meningitis? - ANSWER-Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Viral: Enterovirus
Signs of raised intercranial pressure? (4) - ANSWER-Headache
Nausea
Increased bp
Confusion
,What is the purpose of the nursing council? - ANSWER-To protect the health and
safety of members of the public by ensuring RNs are registered, fit to practise, and
competent.
Signs of otitis? (Ear infection/inflammation) - ANSWER-Ear pain
Fever
Difficulty hearing
What would you do if prescribed medication was not signed by the doctor? -
ANSWER-Do not give until a signature or verbal consent has been given with a
witness
Signs of a patient on methamphetamine? (5) - ANSWER-Dilated pupils
Agitation
Increased bp
Loss of appetite
Paranoia
List 5 pieces of advice to give a patient following a total hip replacement? -
ANSWER-Place a pillow between legs when lying on side
Avoid bending past 90 degrees
Avoid crossing legs
Sit on chairs higher than knee height
Take short frequent walks
What is airway obstruction caused by? - ANSWER-Tongue
Laryngospasm
, Retained secretions
Insufficient anaesthetic reversal
Treatment for airway obstruction? - ANSWER-Correct positioning
o2 therapy
Suctioning
Close monitoring
Viral signs
Anti emetics
Manifestations of atelectasis? - ANSWER-Insidious onset
Early s&s: cough, sputum, low grade fever
Later s&s: respiratory distress, dyspnoea, tachycardia, pleural pain, cyanosis,
anxiety
What is a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-Occurs from a deep vein thrombosis,
clot forms, travels to lungs or brain, life threatening
Diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-Chest X-ray
Ecg
Abg
Ultra sound
Pulmonary angiography
How to prevent a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-Pre op weight loss
Compression stockings
QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST
2026/2027
What does Ambulatory mean? - ANSWER-Day surgery (max stay 23 hours)
What does inpatient surgical care mean? - ANSWER-Admitted to hospital (min 24
hours)
Surgery classifications? - ANSWER-Elective
Diagnostic
Acute
List 3 patient orientated goals post surgery? - ANSWER-Return to normal physical
function
Remain free from post op complications
Achieve emotional and physical comfort
What is included in a pre-op assessment? (5) - ANSWER-Obtain history
Physical assessment
Determine patient understanding
Identify emotional state and coping skills
Check consent, pre anaesthetic form complete, other pre anaesthetic orders
,What does atelectasis mean? - ANSWER-Collapse or closure of lung resulting in
reduced or absent gas exchange
List 5 ways to safely care for post op patients? - ANSWER-Fluid balance input and
output
Pain management
Assessing wound
Vital signs every five minutes
Checking IV site
What is meningitis? - ANSWER-A serious disease in which there is inflammation
of the meninges
Signs and symptoms of meningitis? - ANSWER-Intense headache
Fever
Light sensitivity
Muscular rigidity
Main cause of meningitis? - ANSWER-Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Viral: Enterovirus
Signs of raised intercranial pressure? (4) - ANSWER-Headache
Nausea
Increased bp
Confusion
,What is the purpose of the nursing council? - ANSWER-To protect the health and
safety of members of the public by ensuring RNs are registered, fit to practise, and
competent.
Signs of otitis? (Ear infection/inflammation) - ANSWER-Ear pain
Fever
Difficulty hearing
What would you do if prescribed medication was not signed by the doctor? -
ANSWER-Do not give until a signature or verbal consent has been given with a
witness
Signs of a patient on methamphetamine? (5) - ANSWER-Dilated pupils
Agitation
Increased bp
Loss of appetite
Paranoia
List 5 pieces of advice to give a patient following a total hip replacement? -
ANSWER-Place a pillow between legs when lying on side
Avoid bending past 90 degrees
Avoid crossing legs
Sit on chairs higher than knee height
Take short frequent walks
What is airway obstruction caused by? - ANSWER-Tongue
Laryngospasm
, Retained secretions
Insufficient anaesthetic reversal
Treatment for airway obstruction? - ANSWER-Correct positioning
o2 therapy
Suctioning
Close monitoring
Viral signs
Anti emetics
Manifestations of atelectasis? - ANSWER-Insidious onset
Early s&s: cough, sputum, low grade fever
Later s&s: respiratory distress, dyspnoea, tachycardia, pleural pain, cyanosis,
anxiety
What is a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-Occurs from a deep vein thrombosis,
clot forms, travels to lungs or brain, life threatening
Diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-Chest X-ray
Ecg
Abg
Ultra sound
Pulmonary angiography
How to prevent a pulmonary embolism? - ANSWER-Pre op weight loss
Compression stockings
